TOPIC: Battling Wildland Fires

The Sun City Fire Department has a team of Wildland Firefighters that has seen the numerous areas within Arizona burning this season. Firefighters have been deployed to fires such as Skunk Fire, Vokel Fire, Bobby Fire, Sunset Point Fire, Cave Creek Complex, 3 Complex Fire and the Sunset Fire.

The firefighters must be prepared for deployment at any time and must ready to deploy within an hours notice. Firefighters have to prepare all necessary equipment and pack for duties, which may last up to 14 days at one time. From January-May of 2005, there were 1,400 reported Wildland fires within Arizona. 75,000 acres have burned so far which does not include currently burning fires.

When team members are dispatched, they can serve as firefighters, engine bosses, Division Supervisors, Structure Triage or Medical Leaders. Members may also act in other capacities at these fires.

The firefighters are exposed to many hazardous situations including falling trees, extreme weather conditions, reduced visibility and smoke inhalation, high temperature/risk for heat related illnesses along natural predators such as animals and people.

As of June 28, 2005 here is a listing of active fires burning in Arizona (According to www.azstatefire.org):

· CAVE CREEK COMPLEX (116,550 acres; 20% contained) is burning 6 miles NE of Carefree in Tonto National Forest. The fire has entered New River Mountains and Pine Mountain Wilderness, and is also into the Red Creek drainage and the Upper Ranch area. Crews will continue burnout operations east along Bloody Basin Road to the Verde River. Resources assigned: 15 Type 1 crews, 8 Type 2 crews, 12 helicopters, 27 engines, 4 dozers, 4 water tenders, 247 overhead, 3 camp crews, 850 total personnel.

· THREE FIRE COMPLEX (19,370 acres, 40% contained) includes the 16,097-acre THREE FIRE and the 3,273-acre FOUR FIRE. THREE is 8 miles NW of Tonto Basin and burning on Four Peaks west of Roosevelt Lake. No movement on either fire yesterday. Good progress was made on THREE and 2 crews were put on FOUR. Resources assigned: 4 Type 1 crews, 3 Type 2 crews, 6 helicopters, 25 engines, 9 water tenders, 122 overhead, 3 camp crews, 387 total personnel.

· PERKINS COMPLEX (21,600 acres, 100% contained) includes over a dozen fires NW of Kingman and NE of Wikieup. Resources assigned: 2 helicopters, 3 engines, 60 overhead, 1 camp crew, 89 total personnel. SNAKE RIDGE (1,800 acres, 0% contained) shows moderate potential for growth as it burns 12 miles NE of Clifton in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Rob Lever's Type 3 Team is assigned, also 12 overhead personnel.

· HINDU (1,000 acres, 95% contained) is burning NW of Peach Springs. It was reported Thursday afternoon but poses no threat to structures. Ronald Quasula's Type 3 Team is assigned to HINDU, also 3 Type 2 crews, 2 helicopters, 9 overhead, 71 total personnel.

· MATUCK (888 acres, 80% contained) has been active on the SE end. Crews continue mop-up and patrol of the fire line. Ronald Quasula's Type 3 Team is assigned along with 3 Type 2 crews, 2 helicopters, 9 overhead, and 63 total personnel.

As we prepare for a busy fire season, it is also critical to remember to test your smoke alarms and have an emergency evacuation plan for your home. The Sun City Fire Department can assist you with these services free of charge. To schedule an appointment, please call (623) 974-2321.

For additional information please call 1-877-864-6985 visit the following web sites: